Universal Credit Business UK: Femmeprenista's Guide to Launching!
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Jun 10, 2024
- 7 min read
Launching Your Business Dream in the UK While on Universal Credit: A Femmeprenista's Guide
Alright, love, let's have a real talk about something that might seem a bit tricky – starting a business in the UK while you're receiving Universal Credit. Honestly, it can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you're already juggling so much as a mum, aspiring entrepreneur, & all-around wonder woman. But trust me, it's totally doable, & I'm here to break it down for you in true Femmeprenista style – practical, empowering, & with a healthy dose of my own "been there" experiences.
Understanding the Landscape: Universal Credit & Your Business Dream
First things first, let's ditch the overwhelm. I remember that feeling – staring at government websites, drowning in information, thinking, "Where do I even begin?" One of my biggest fears when I first started my business while receiving Universal Credit was that I'd somehow mess up the reporting and lose the support I desperately needed. It felt like walking a tightrope. Deep breaths, lovely. We've got this. For our Foundation BuildersFoundation Builders in the UK, especially when you’re just starting out, this can feel extra overwhelming. If you're feeling that way, you're in good company.
The key is to understand the rules of the game. Universal Credit is designed to support you while you're looking for work or on a low income. When you start a business, you're considered self-employed, & your earnings will impact your Universal Credit payments. This isn't a roadblock; it's just a slightly different route. A route that can lead you to your own unique definition of success and the freedom you crave.
The Nitty Gritty: Requirements, Thresholds, & Reporting Your Business Income
Now for the practical bits. You need to inform the Universal Credit office about your business venture as soon as it kicks off. Transparency is key here. They'll guide you through the reporting process, which involves regularly updating them on your business income & expenses. What I really advocate for, after navigating this myself, are small, consistent check-ins rather than last-minute scrambles. My personal experience? Schedule it, systematize it, simplify it.
There are allowed income thresholds – essentially, how much you can earn from your business before your Universal Credit is affected significantly. These thresholds can change, so always check the latest government guidelines (Link to relevant UK Government website on Universal Credit and self-employment). Don't let this intimidate you. Think of it as a financial game – you're learning the rules to play it smart. As Foundation BuildersFoundation Builders, getting clear on this from the start is essential for smart business growth.
Balancing Act: Business Growth & UC Eligibility for Female Entrepreneurs
This is where the "juggle" gets real, am I right? Building a business while managing family life & Universal Credit can feel like a tightrope walk. But remember, my love, you are resourceful, capable, & more than equipped for this. Smart planning is your superpower here, Foundation BuilderFoundation Builder.
Create a realistic business plan that outlines your income goals & expenses.
Consider how these projections will impact your Universal Credit payments.
Break down your big goals into manageable, bite-sized "smallest viable steps."
Celebrate every win, no matter how small.
This isn't about limiting your ambition; it's about strategic, informed growth. It's about combining hard work with smart work – like that time I finally managed to launch my online course while wrangling three kids, a puppy who thought my laptop cable was a chew toy, & recovering from a C-section (talk about a juggle!). Remember, my journey is slower... I have four kids & I'm doing a PhD... doesn't mean I can't get there because of my situation... that's down to me. The key was breaking it down & celebrating every single win. You know that feeling, right? Even with all that going on, I kept reminding myself that hard work beats intelligence when it's smart work.
Proactive communication with the Universal Credit office is also vital. Don't wait for them to contact you; keep them updated on your progress. This builds trust & shows you're taking ownership of your journey. A quick email update every few weeks, even if nothing major has changed, can make all the difference. I learned this the hard way… let's just say spreadsheets & sleep deprivation don't mix! One particularly frazzled morning, after a night punctuated by the baby's teething woes & the puppy's insistence on rearranging the living room furniture, I somehow managed to transpose two crucial figures in my income report. The resulting discrepancy triggered a flurry of calls from the UC office, adding another layer of stress to an already overflowing plate. It was a "cringe, but true" moment that reinforced the vital importance of clear systems & getting enough sleep. Building robust systems is key—it’s FLOW and FUSION coming together.
From Dependence to Empowerment: The Femmeprenista Perspective on Financial Freedom
Now, for the real talk, Foundation BuilderFoundation Builder. While Universal Credit provides essential support, the ultimate goal, my love, is financial independence & a life designed on your terms. I remember the feeling of being stuck in a corporate job that drained my soul, even though the paycheck was steady. It felt like being trapped in a gilded cage. One of my clients, Sarah, felt the same way. She was stuck in a dead-end job she hated, but the Universal Credit provided a safety net she couldn't afford to lose. Through the Momentum 1:1 Coaching program, we developed a plan for her to transition from dependence to Financial Freedom for Femmeprenistas: Roadmap to Wealth (Even with Kids!). It wasn't an overnight miracle, but by leveraging her existing skills and focusing on her "why" she was able to create a profitable online coaching business, ditch the soul-crushing job and gain the independence she craved. It was only when I truly took ownership of my financial future, by starting my own business, that I found my true voice & purpose. Does that resonate with you?
Entrepreneurship can be your pathway to empowerment. It's about creating a life of flexibility, where you're in control of your time, your income, & your impact. It's about building a legacy for your children, showing them what's possible when a woman takes charge of her destiny. It's not always easy – believe me, I’ve had my share of caster oil on the carpet moments – but it's always worth it. Think about it - what does freedom look like for you?
Shifting the Narrative: Handling Objections & Limiting Beliefs Around Universal Credit & Business
Now, let's address those pesky little voices in your head – the ones whispering, "It's too hard," "I'm not ready," or "What if I fail?" I've been there, love. We all have. Remember, these are just limiting beliefs – fear dressed up in a logical outfit, as Adrienne Weriner so brilliantly puts it. Especially when you're navigating something new like starting a business while on Universal Credit, these limiting beliefs can feel amplified. "What if my business doesn't take off & I can't make ends meet?" or “What if the reporting is too complicated and I get penalized?” These are valid fears, but they don’t have to dictate your journey.
Remember our 'Focus' pillar? This is where mindset work becomes crucial. It's about identifying those limiting beliefs specific to this unique situation & reframing them. If you're worried about financial instability, create a detailed budget that factors in your UC payments & potential business income, even if it’s small to start. If reporting feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller tasks, like dedicating 30 minutes each week to update your income and expenses spreadsheet. It's about shifting from "What if I fail?" to "How can I make this work?". This is Empowerment in its truest sense. It considers your whole life – your energy & the importance of prioritizing your well-being, ensuring your business energises rather than drains you. It's about implementing efficient systems, perhaps leveraging smart AI tools like ChatGPT or Jasper to streamline your content creation, Canva to simplify design, or scheduling tools like Calendly or Acuity to manage client appointments. As I often ask myself, what can you outsource, automate, or delegate? What AI tools can you use to free up time & brain space? This is FUSION in action - weaving smart AI into the fabric of your business, so you can work smarter, not harder.
Journaling Prompt: What's one limiting belief you're ready to challenge today? Write it down & then write three empowering truths that counteract it.
Visualization Exercise: Close your eyes & vividly imagine yourself six months from now, successfully running your business & feeling confident & empowered. What does it feel like? What are you doing? What are you telling yourself?
Affirmation: Repeat this affirmation throughout the day: "I am capable, I am resourceful, I am worthy of success."
One of the most powerful lessons I've learned is that personal responsibility is key. Yes, there are systemic challenges. But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it, work smart, & create your own opportunities? Waiting for the "perfect" conditions or blaming external factors is a recipe for inaction. I like to think of it as the fable of The Little Red Hen. Everyone wanted a piece of the cake, but no one wanted to help with the work. As female entrepreneurs, we often have to be our own Little Red Hens, especially in the early stages. & that’s okay. Because we're resourceful, we're resilient, & we know the sweet taste of success is worth the effort.
Femmeprenista Support: You're Not Alone on this Journey
Starting a business while navigating Universal Credit can feel daunting, but you're not alone. The Femmeprenista community is here to support you every step of the way. We understand the juggle, the challenges, & the incredible potential you hold.
For our Foundation BuildersFoundation Builders, the Spark Program (Link to Spark Program) can be invaluable for validating your business idea, gaining niche clarity, & creating a solid action plan before significant investment.
& for a supportive community of like-minded women, join Femme Connect (Femme:Connect Community Page). It's our free, global online community where you can connect with other female entrepreneurs, share your wins, ask your questions (no such thing as a "silly" question, remember!), & find the encouragement you need to keep going. Need support navigating the school holidays while building your business? Femme Connect is the place to be!
Your Next Step: Take Action, Love
Remember, beautiful, you are capable of amazing things. Don't let the perceived complexity of Universal Credit hold you back from pursuing your business dreams. Take ownership of your journey, work smart, & connect with our supportive community.
Your smallest viable step today? Connect with other women who get it!
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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